Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 116,327 complaints — component: STEERING
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Steering is sticky (resistant as though in a notch) when turning the steering wheel to the right or left beyond 30 degrees at highway speeds, or beyond 90 degrees at parking speeds. Issue seems more prevalent when turning left than right. Lane keep assist is off at all times. The steering system issue is a safety concern, as loss of control at highway speeds could cause a crash. Diagnostic by loca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Left red light on major hwy. Car stuck in first gear. Took MI turn around and no power steering. Limped home in first gear. Internet says there was a recall for 2014-15 Trax for same problems; Dealer says there's not, and told me to drive it there in 1st gear to check it out !
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) — STEERING
Mar 18, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving over a bumpy road surface at 5-10 MPH or at higher speeds, the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was determined that the front stabilizer coupling rod had failed. The contact related the failure to Volkswagen Campaign Number: 40R1; however, the VIN was not in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
My power steering locked up and almost caused an accident. The dealer said they are having trouble with this component (corrosion in plug). I have a fleet of trucks, and I just had the same issue with a 2023 model which I also almost lost control of the vehicle. This is a defect or poor design that needs to be recalled before someone get seriously hurt.
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2016) — STEERING
Mar 18, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
My vehicle just turned 10 years old. It has a little more than 66,000 miles on it and very well maintained. It was operating fine with no issues up until the day I went to get into it last Friday. I started it up without issue, put it into drive and found that could not steer it. I actually had to have it put on a car carrier and taken to a foreign auto mechanic, who told me that I needed a compl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
My suspension didn't work. It was riding on the frame. The power steering is very difficult to turn. The front control screen is not turning on.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Car makes a knocking noise when turning. It was determined this is a bad CV axel which now needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
My 2023 Tesla Model X suffers from severe, intermittent safety system failures. Specifically, the Automatic Emergency Braking and Steering Assist randomly become unavailable while driving. Tesla Service refuses to repair this, claiming they are "unable to replicate" the intermittent alerts. However, the vehicle's history proves severe safety flaws: Tesla previously had to replace the entire steeri... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
I took my 2024 Honda Civic Sport to my local Honda dealership due to concerning issues with the steering. After diagnosing the problem, the dealership determined that the car needed a full steering rack replacement. They contacted Honda, who agreed to cover part of the repair, but I was told I would have to pay $600 out-of-pocket. Given the newness of the vehicle, I believe this is a safety defect... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
I own a 2024 Honda HR-V. The vehicle developed a steering problem where the steering wheel becomes unusually stiff and difficult to control. Honda issued NHTSA Recall 24V-744 for defective steering gearbox components affecting 2023-2025 Honda HR-V vehicles. My vehicle was manufactured during the same production period referenced in the recall. However, my VIN is not included in the recall even t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Steering harder to move; suddenly harder to turn steering wheel.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Have lost power steering intermittently while driving.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The steering locked up while driving. I was unable to turn the steering wheel. My self and my brother were in the vehicle. At this time, I am contacting the dealer to look at the unit. It will not turn and is stuck in my driveway. I am being told the electronic steering rack may have failed. Why does this not break way and allow some turning like the old hydraulic models? If I had been driv... Read more
GMC
HUMMER EV SUV
(2024) — STEERING
Mar 17, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
While operating my 2024 GMC Hummer EV at a low speed in a school zone, I came to a complete stop at a stop sign and began making a left turn. As I initiated the turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked and became unresponsive. I was unable to turn the wheel back to the right or regain control of the vehicle’s direction. At the same time, the vehicle did not respond as expected when attempting t... Read more
Crash
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — STEERING
Mar 17, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
On December 23, 2025, at approximately 9:45 AM, I was operating my Tesla Cybertruck with Autopilot engaged under normal driving conditions. There was no inclement weather, the roadway was straight, and visibility was clear. While driving, the vehicle suddenly veered off the main roadway without warning and traveled off-road, ultimately colliding with a tree. The movement was abrupt and not consis... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
I experienced a complete loss of power steering on my 2011 Ford Fusion. Luckily I managed to avoid an accident and had the vehicle towed to my mechanic. When he told me what caused the issue, I looked up all recalls on this vehicle using my VIN for the 2011 Ford Fusion on both Ford's website and the nhtsa.gov website. There was a recall in 2015 for Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while his father was driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering assist became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
On Feb. 25th, 2026, while driving at high speeds (about 45 mph), the vehicle suffered a sudden and total loss of motive power. Diagnostic reports(DIACODE: D6121_00000000_01_901) later confirmed a failing 12V battery system with only 37% startability limit. This critical electrical failure coincided with the engine stalling, which resulted in the immediate impairment of electronic power steering an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
On 3/13/26 we were driving to a location to make a delivery when the steering locked up causing loss of control, the driver was able to correct the van and was able to limp it back to our location, we contacted our dealer Bob Johnson Chrysler in Avon NY where we just dropped it off today 3/17/26 , He stated that he hadn't heard of any issues with that vehicle, but I looked up the cause and saw tha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact rented a 2024 Dodge Hornet. While driving 50-75 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the steering wheel was not turning as intended. Additionally, the steering wheel and the front axle were not responding as intended, and constant adjustments were needed; the contact had to grip the steering wheel tightly. The contact stated that the failure increased while turning the s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The power steering torque sensor went out. It was recalled, the repair was made, but the part is failing again. It is creating a safety issue. Ford won't re-repair. The part they put in is failing again. It has been less than 15 years since they put in the recalled part.
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2026) — STEERING
Mar 17, 2026
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I purchased a 2026 Toyota Camry SE in November 2025. The hybrid battery has stop working several times also the steering system has failed as well. I am told the hybrid battery is defective. Toyota the Manufacture has refused to replace it. I am afraid for my safety.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the AC was inoperable. The message “Driving Assist Reduced - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery. While driving, t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The electrical power steering stopped working while in motion was real hard to steer and avoid hitting curbs or vehicles close to our vehicle. It was previously replaced by Ford for the same reason but now it happened again and they are telling me it doesn’t have warranty which is fine but if i buy the part which is not cheap by the way it just going to keep failing after a few years.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Vehicle: Ford Fusion 2011 Component: Steering Mileage: 169600 Description: While driving, the steering suddenly became very heavy and difficult to turn. The steering wheel feels stiff, and in some situations the wheels do not respond properly when turning the wheel. The issue appears related to a worn or failing rack and pinion steering system. This creates a dangerous situation where the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
I took my Sentra to Performance Nissan located at 1345 S Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 and was refused service. They refused to fix the safety recall on my vehicle because of a rebuilt title. I called Nissan Of America and was told regardless of a rebuilt title a safety recall should be fixed by the dealership.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Rattle in the steering column when turning and over bumps.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, several unknown transmission codes were displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that a transmission flush was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I’ve been having some strange steering issues with my car. It feels like I’m driving something with a bent frame, especially when I go over 40 mph. The front driver’s side wheel pulls to one side, and sometimes it feels like the rug is being pulled out from under me. It really freaks me out. I haven’t been able to get a clear answer from any dealers yet, even after taking it to two diffe... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STEERING
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Claim submitted to VW Customer Care on March 8, 2026. Current problems cited include: Doors malfunctioning; vehicle difficult to start and power off; steering and braking warnings; complete loss of power steering; compromised performance in significant lag between accelerator depression and vehicle response; electrical malfunction alerts (17+); numerous dashboard warnings; distressing repetitive... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — STEERING
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Steering has seemed sticky since I bought car in July. On Jan. 30 after a 20 min drive on a freeway I entered a long sweeping right turn curve. During the turn the steering when jerked 3 times to the left. If there had been a car next to me, this would have caused a serious accident. Research shows this exact problem was under recall for the 2023-2024 Honda CRV's. Cause faulty EPS gear. Beave... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, with the collision warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to go forward or reverse as needed. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a metal object had detached from the vehicle near the front driver’s side whee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway, and the front end of the vehicle started bouncing. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and then continued driving 45 MPH with no further issues. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
My steering wheel started to randomly shake while I was driving this car through a car wash that I go through monthly. all of a sudden my wheel locked up and flashing warning signals appeared on my dashboard “SERVICE ESC” making me at a loss of electric power steering assist. I never got in an accident or anything. It just happened while I was driving through a car wash.. I know my vehicle sho... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2016) — STEERING
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The steering column in this car has a known defect in the steering column nut resulting in knocking/rattling/clunking. Mazda is aware of this issue and has redesigned the steering column and issued multiple TSBs for specific models, years, and even VINs. Mazda is not classifying this a a safety issue to avoid recall but if the part is to fail it can result in loss of vehicle control and a crash.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The electric power assist steering system on my 2022 Tesla Model X began displaying a "Steering Assist Reduced / Steering May Require Increased Effort" warning intermittently beginning in approximately May 2024, shortly after I purchased the vehicle. This warning appeared more times than I can count over the following months. In most instances the warning appeared but the steering continued to fun... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — STEERING
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
While driving the car is unable to switch gears from D to L gear and has no power to accerlerate up hill.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
My 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Bison ZR2 (VIN [XXX] ) suddenly lost all power steering, acceleration, and propulsion while driving my children to school at approximately 8:00 AM on March 16, 2026. The truck came to a complete stop with no warning lights or prior indication. This matches the exact ‘critical issue with the engine and transmission system’ alert I received from OnStar Advanced... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the steering wheel became firm while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective power steering rack, and the contact was provided an estimate ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
Had safety inspection done when having oil changed on 3/5/26. was informed by dealer that it needed both outer tie rod ends replaced has play in it. this came to a cost of $735.00 with alignment. Of course not covered by vehicle warranty which is useless at this point. I have never had this problem on any vehicles I have owned since starting to drive in 1975. This is a safety and quality issue and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Power steering seems to have stopped all fuses have been checked. Wiring is checked steering is underwhelming and very hard to turn at low and high speeds.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — STEERING
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
On February 14th, my 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid (approx. 17,000 miles) experienced a catastrophic failure. Without warning, the steering wheel completely locked, preventing any control. Simultaneously, the automatic emergency collision braking system malfunctioned, locked the brakes, and would not disengage. This total loss of control forced the vehicle to crash into a median. Toyota Corporate has... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
complete power steering failure upon starting the truck-truck is very difficult to steer warning lamp appeared in dash immediately cruise control doesnt always come on without smacking the backside of button on steering wheel
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
While driving at approximately 20mph, the front passenger-side steering knuckle suffered a catastrophic structural failure, snapping completely in two. This resulted in an immediate loss of steering and suspension control. Inspection of the fractured part by a mechanic revealed significant orange oxidation (rust) inside the metal cross-section of the break. This internal corrosion on a 2-year-old ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2024) — STEERING
Mar 16, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Symptom Description: The vehicle is experiencing "sticky" and "notchy" steering, characterized by a sudden increase in physical resistance (friction) when making small steering corrections at highway speeds. The steering feels like it "binds" or "catches" before releasing, making smooth lane centering difficult.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The front axles in my 2024 Honda prologue touring model four-wheel drive I have been clicking and making noises even before 1,000 miles. I have spoken to the dealer several times and Honda as well two times. I do not know if this is dangerous but it seems dangerous to me. I am used to driving older vehicles that I maintain to almost new standards. I am honestly more nervous about driving this car ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
This 2025 RAV4 will randomly move or jerk to the left while driving straight. It does not matter where you are in relation to the center of the lane. Sometime the movement is gentile and other time it is very strong bordering on violent. It will do the same thing with the lane keeping assistance, and pre-collision warning active or disabled. This issue could cause an accident if the jerky movement... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
2019 Kia Soul has an issue with the steering wheel coupling that needs to be replaced. This has been confirmed by a mechanic. There is a warranty extension on the MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) rubber coupling - 10 years/100,000 miles - for the 2019 Kia Soul. For some reason, my 2019 Kia Soul is not showing up under the warranty campaign extension. I am seeking a goodwill repair by Kia as ther... Read more